This June, InfoComm 2015 in Orlando will feature an all-new Unmanned Systems and Drones Pavilion. Step up to the cage and watch exhibitors demonstrate their flying devices. Drones have a big future in pro AV, but they’ve already made their mark in live events and other AV applications. Read this InfoComm International® special report to start imagining how you’ll use drones for your AV projects.

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Reflections on China

InfoComm Executive Director and CEO David Labuskes, CTS®, RCDD, had the pleasure of joining AV professionals from throughout the Asia-Pacific region at the just-completed, record-breaking InfoComm China show. In his brand-new blog, Dave shares what he observed of the fast-growing AV market, and his conclusion: Pro AV in China and the Asia-Pacific bears a striking resemblance to the exciting and growing market for AV products and services throughout the world. Read more.

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USB Type-C: The AV Industry Unifier

What does a common (or uncommon) laptop computer port have to do with AV systems? A lot, it turns out. In light of Apple’s adoption of the new USB Type-C connector for its new MacBooks, Legrand Technology Evangelist Joe Cornwall, CTS-D, says “That’s the tip of the iceberg. Next year, it will be obvious to all exactly how big of a deal this is.” He explains why AV pros need USB in the All Voices Blog.

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Go Beyond the Basics at InfoComm 2015

There are classes at InfoComm 2015 in Orlando, and then there are classes. New this year, InfoComm University™ is responding to AV pros’ requests for an advanced series of courses, designed for students seeking a deeper dive into networking topics, such as Internet Protocol version 6 and multicasting. Learn about what will be offered from the experts teaching the classes, then sign up to go beyond the basics.

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Digital Signage in Quick-Service Restaurants

You’ve seen digital signage at some of your favorite quick-service restaurants. You might even think that most QSRs, as they’re called in the business, employ digital signs. The truth is, many have been slow to adopt the new technology and some just don’t get it. But new All Voices blogger Brian McClimans, Vice President of Global Business Development at Peerless-AV, knows how they’ll get over the hump and make digital signage more widespread. Read more.

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More News From InfoComm

Exceptional Experience: Baylor University

When fans enter Baylor University's McLane Stadium for a football game, they feel the excitement in their guts. “It just doesn’t sound that way in most stadiums,” says one of the designers on the project. Tasked with creating an exceptional experience for fans, players, prospective students and university partners in and around the stadium, the AV team deployed immersive solutions that pump up the crowd and stream live action all the way to boaters docked nearby. Read about it and explore the components of an exceptional AV experience.

In Memoriam

InfoComm International is saddened by the death of long-time industry writer Dave Read. Dave died peacefully at his home in Abbeville, Louisiana. Dave was a fixture at InfoComm shows for many years, and often covered other industry events for Sound & Communications. His love of the industry and its technology shined through his writing and he will be in our hearts and minds as we navigate InfoComm 2015. Dave is survived by his wife, Sharon, pictured with him.

Why 10,000 of Your Peers Are CTS

You read that right: The professional AV industry has reached an amazing milestone. There are now 10,000 Certified Technology Specialists™ worldwide. And when CTS is required by 59 percent of independent design consultants in the U.S. and Canada as part of their project specifications, you know it’s because CTS holders offer a consistent level of expertise that clients trust.

If you’re going to InfoComm 2015 in Orlando, your team can take the exam at the show and possibly join the 10,000 CTS holders. With 3,000 searches per month on infocomm.org/ctssearch, you know CTS is in demand.

Ready to book your exam appointment? Scheduling is now open. Exam appointments are limited and fill up quickly, so don’t delay.

Black Tie Optional

The InfoComm Awards Dinner is fast becoming the place to see and be seen, mingle with friends, and honor outstanding industry pioneers, educators, volunteers and more. This year, at InfoComm 2015 in Orlando, the InfoComm Awards Dinner takes place immediately following the Opening Reception, Tuesday, June 16, at 7 p.m. in the Orange County Convention Center.

Grab your colleagues and make a night of it. Single tickets are $125 for members and $150 for non-members. Full table sponsorships can be purchased for $1,250 (eight seats). Order now or contact us for more information.

Three CTS-I’s Walk Into a Room...

Hear what happens when you get three CTS‑I holders on the line for an InfoComm Today Podcast. Join Marcus Gish, CTS-I, Lead Installer at VisionPoint; Travis Lisk, CTS-I, Vice President of Technical Operations at Advanced AV; and Bill Thomas, CTS-I, Director of International Education at InfoComm, as they talk about what going digital has meant for integrators and what each is looking forward to at InfoComm 2015. Among other things, all three are teaching three-day prep classes at the show. Listen now.

All Training, All the Time

Flip through InfoComm’s new online education brochure to see a full list of InfoComm University’s sessions, seminars, workshops and more for InfoComm 2015 in Orlando, June 13‑19. Read about the exclusive tech tours of installations in the area and the special Standards Plenary early in the week. The 38-page guide has all the information you need to plan a professionally fulfilling week at the show.

From introductory course to our new advanced series for AV pros with five or more years of experience, you'll find something for everyone on your team at InfoComm 2015. Edit your registration and filter by track or topic to explore sessions.

Join the Women of InfoComm Network on LinkedIn

InfoComm’s new Women of InfoComm Network Council now has its own LinkedIn group. What’s more, there are also Women of InfoComm Network LinkedIn groups dedicated to professionals in various regions of the world. Each group was created to support InfoComm members and other professionals committed to empowering women who work in the technology and AV industry in their specific markets and throughout the world. Join today and help us build an online community where women and men can make connections, start conversations, share resources, and promote opportunities for the advancement of female executives in AV and technology.

Get Involved With Volunteer Council Groups

Volunteers are at the heart of shaping and planning InfoComm and its programs. The time and knowledge contributed by volunteers ensure that the resources and events we provide advance and enrich the entire industry and everyone involved in it. As a volunteer, you’ll connect with your peers through online and in-person discussions and help conduct research to explore challenges and solutions. Plus, you’ll gain professional recognition for you and your company. Learn more about the different councils and apply today.

Michael Vergauwen Fund Scholarship — Applications Due May 1

Do you know exceptional university students who are pursuing jobs in the AV industry? Nominate them for the Michael Vergauwen Fund Scholarship, established by the International Communications Industries Foundation (ICIF). The $5,000 scholarship goes toward studies for an audiovisual career. Applications are being accepted through May 1, 2015. Learn more.

How to Score a Free Class by Volunteering

Do you want a free pass to an InfoComm University seminar or workshop at InfoComm 2015? Volunteer to be a room host and you can attend the session of your choice for free. As a room host, you will:

Read a welcome script at the beginning of the session

Notify the InfoComm Education Office if there are any problems during the session

Help pass the microphone during audience Q&A

Read a conclusion script at the end of the session

Collect session evaluations and return them to the InfoComm Education Office

In return, you’ll get a free front-row seat at one of InfoComm University’s stellar seminars or workshops — plus, free CTS renewal units!

Sign up to host a session. You can volunteer to host any course with the session ID format IS##, IUX## or IUL##. You’ll be notified whether your session is available within five business days.

CTS-I Exam Guide

Exclusively from McGraw-Hill and InfoComm International, the new CTS-I Exam Guide is a convenient way to study for the CTS-I credentials — and it’s a handy reference tool. Explore and preview a free chapter.

New Free Joint Standard

How many times have you been frustrated by mismatching AV icons in computer-aided design programs? Now you can say goodbye to inconsistent AV symbols with the ANSI/CEA/CEDIA/InfoComm, Audio, Video and Control Architectural Drawing Symbols Standard. InfoComm worked closely with the Consumer Electronics Association and the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association to define blueprint icons to represent all facets of AV systems and related technologies. Explore and download the free standard.